Long term effects of running?

[startootsie]

Hi again!

I've been a running, or used to run more. I am taking a break from it and doing different types of exercise cause I hurt my leg. Well anyway my question is, what are the long term effects of running? Does it really hurt your knees that bad?

I have a friend who started running and she said that when she get's done from a run her knees hurt so bad that she has to lay there holding them almost crying and rubbing them for a while until it goes away. She also feels like she is going to die when she runs, for example she feels like she can't get enough air or something. I used to get that sometimes, not anymore though!

Are there any experiences you would like to share about this? Espacialy if you have been running for a while.

Thank you!

[pamojamo]

I am working towards being able to jog for 30 minutes. Right now I just jog for a few minutes during my 30 minute cardio. In my younger, thinner days I ran all the time. I never experienced the pain that you described your friend as having. I go to the YMCA for my workouts and I interact with runners of all ages. The older ones are doing fine. Could it be that some body types are more suited for running than others? If I experienced the kind of pain you described there is no way I would run. I'd just try out other forms of cardio.

[Oceana]

I dont think you friend should run!
If it HURTS its Not Good!
I would suggest you walk; jog, run. (in that order)
If it starts hurting you; then move to another form of exercise!
We need to be kind to our bodies!

[sevenbravo]

Take some yoga classes to help get your body in balance. Pain while running is usually a sign of some imbalance or weakness. I run about 2500 miles a year and have no knee problems, but I do have a foot problem. I am taking yoga classes for that reason and it seems to be helping. If you are in a lot of pain while running, back off and do a lot of walking with a little bit of running...all on soft surfaces. Give your body a chance to strengthen itself. I think the human body was made to run, but our modern world has stifled that instinct. I think running can be a lifetime activity. I have seen lots of old folks at many races!
Have fun and listen to your body!!

Doug

[startootsie]

Thank you all!

This is my friend, I don'y have a problem with this knee pain she describes. But I do agree that if it hurts she should stop running for a while or work her way up, or try a different type of exercise. Believe me I have tried to convince her it's going to hurt her, but she is having a tough time and I think she might be at the begining of an eating disorder, I am not sure though, but I do know that if something hurts then something is wrong!

Thank you for the information on long term running!

[sport]

Maybe your friend can run on a rebounder. It takes a bit of practice but it can be achieved and it puts far less strain on the joints

[startootsie]

Good idea! I will tell her about that!

Thank you!

[Draginvry]

Running is rough, and painful if you aren't prepared. If you are healthy, you should be able to run without ill effect, assuming you are running correctly.

I love running, personally. I sprint a lot. But it is one of the more demanding exercises out there.

[Raw Vegan Athlete]

This is a good supplement for running pain

I have run ultra distances and find this one keeps most pains in joints away as soon as taking it - no waiting time

[madmel]

This is a good supplement for running pain

I have run ultra distances and find this one keeps most pains in joints away as soon as taking it - no waiting time

What is a good supplement for running pain? I am sorry I think I lost it...

thx,
mel

[startootsie]

I think she said MSM, right?

I do take MSM!

[madmel]

startootsie,

you're right - in the headline, I didn't see it. blind with glasses, great ;)

mel

[Ako]

How far are you running? I'm no expert, but you may be increasing your distance too quickly if your joints are hurting. Also, you might want to try running on a different surface. Running on concrete (sidewalks) can be really hard on your joints. You're better off on pavement. Tracks and trails (wood-chipped covered) are best. I usually alternate my workouts (run one day, elliptical trainer/bike/whatever next just to give your joints a break.

My advise: take it easy.

[startootsie]

Thank you!

[solarliving]

I think running is hard on the body especially the joints. Most people run on pavement, but I think if you are going to run, then run on a dirt trail, the beach, or grass. Usually it is the IT Band that gets really tight. It runs from the hip down the outer side of the leg and inserts under knee. When it is tight it pulls on the knee causing pain. As a massage therapist I have also seen some pretty knarly feet on my clients who run. If you are going to run, take care of yourself.

[startootsie]

I think running is hard on the body especially the joints. Most people run on pavement, but I think if you are going to run, then run on a dirt trail, the beach, or grass. Usually it is the IT Band that gets really tight. It runs from the hip down the outer side of the leg and inserts under knee. When it is tight it pulls on the knee causing pain. As a massage therapist I have also seen some pretty knarly feet on my clients who run. If you are going to run, take care of yourself.


Oh my gosh! That has been what has been hurting! Right from my hip down to my knee, I just didn't know how to explain it!

So what do I do to heal it?

THANK YOU so much, I was wondering what this pain is from! I thought is was from running (by the way I am taking a break from running), but I didn't know!

[misslinda]

it's ten times more force on the spine!


i'm sick in the head with running --10+ miles a day was my gigue until I ended in the ER with a doctor preaching to me about the effects of running. I have a slight degenration that my doc says more than likely from the poinding force of runing.

I didn't stop running and it wasn't until I fell in a floor hole at work and hurt my back that I quit running. Still in recovery and I am down to 3 miles and 3 times a week.

I'd say honestly, running is HARD on the spine and eveything else downward. OH goodness, Jaurequi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i'm converting slowly :eek:

[PATH301]

So what ever happen to the biking misslinda?
Maybe the hole incident, was a clue for you to change excercise option to hopefully something less pounding on your body?

[Conscious Midwife]

My daughter has been runing competitively for years.

The following factors affect her run and over all "feeling" after the run

Distance
Shoe quality
Terrain
Hydration
Post run cool down and stretch

[misslinda]

So what ever happen to the biking misslinda?
Maybe the hole incident, was a clue for you to change excercise option to hopefully something less pounding on your body?


my SI joints ---ligaments and all are so senstive that the biking motion--actually I jsut started doing yesterday to develp those muscles etc.

I know, that's what my family says..........if I never fell, I would still be a pig for self punishment!

yes, everything works for the better

I mean don't get me wrong, running is still a love but now it will only be recreational not a must have to do. :)

[PATH301]

yo misslinda,

I would still be a pig for self punishment!
to harsh on yourself ;)

[solarliving]

Startootsie,

There is only 1 stretch I know for the IT Band-
Sit with your legs kind of like indian style but feet touching. It starts out like an inner thigh stretch, but as you extend your legs down while keeping feet together you will start feeling a stretch on the outer leg. Bend foward and try to touch your toes. You can also attempt to work on it yourself or get a massage. Just tell them to work on the IT Band.

you can also do a search on pictures of how to stretch IT Band. I don't know how to put pictures on here, but there were a bunch.

[startootsie]

Startootsie,

There is only 1 stretch I know for the IT Band-
Sit with your legs kind of like indian style but feet touching. It starts out like an inner thigh stretch, but as you extend your legs down while keeping feet together you will start feeling a stretch on the outer leg. Bend foward and try to touch your toes. You can also attempt to work on it yourself or get a massage. Just tell them to work on the IT Band.

you can also do a search on pictures of how to stretch IT Band. I don't know how to put pictures on here, but there were a bunch.


Thank you!

So will streching it help heal it?

Also did you mean sit almost in a cross leg position but with feet touching, or sit with legs and feet together and try to touch your toes?

[solarliving]

Yes, stretching will help. You sit with knees bent out to side, flat feet touching. I would do a search as well, because I saw some other stretches and they looked pretty good.

[pamojamo]

Startootsie,

There is only 1 stretch I know for the IT Band-
Sit with your legs kind of like indian style but feet touching. It starts out like an inner thigh stretch, but as you extend your legs down while keeping feet together you will start feeling a stretch on the outer leg. Bend foward and try to touch your toes. You can also attempt to work on it yourself or get a massage. Just tell them to work on the IT Band.

you can also do a search on pictures of how to stretch IT Band. I don't know how to put pictures on here, but there were a bunch.

This reminds me of a stretch from a long ago yoga class. You might check with a yoga teacher. The stretch described could be really helpful.

[startootsie]

Thank you all so much!

I will be streching my way to a healed leg and a more flexable body!